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Should Nuggets consider a Gobert trade?

By Evan Siegel

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz on February 28, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz on February 28, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After the Nuggets’ bizarre lineup against the Wizards, should the team consider a trade for Rudy Gobert?

The Denver Nuggets could be one of the first teams in the modern era to implement a two-center lineup. It appears crazy on the surface, but having a big man combination of Rudy Gobert and Nikola Jokic would make the Nuggets borderline unbeatable in the paint.

The Nuggets’ mile high lineup worked like a charm in their opening-scrimmage win over the Washington Wizards. While a unique and deadly offensive weapon, Nikola Jokic is not going to be mistaken for a player who can be relied on on the defensive end. Meanwhile, the best defender in all of basketball is currently sitting on a team that is not exactly happy to have him.

Rudy Gobert managed to shut the entire league down in a matter of hours after he tested positive for the coronavirus. His teammates were just taking the floor to play the Oklahoma City Thunder when a team of doctors rushed the floor to prevent further spread of the disease.

Unfortunately for Gobert, he had already infected his teammate Donovan Mitchell, long before other NBA stars such as Kevin Durant and Christian Wood came down ill as well. Gobert and Mitchell began to have a more and more tense relationship as confirmed by other teammates.

The Nuggets could be jolted forward on the defensive end by making a deal to secure the former two-time defensive player of the year. The Jazz might become eager to deal away Gobert and relieve any tensions in the locker room, and potentially clear a spot in the front court to bring back Paul Millsap in free agency.

Next. What might the Nuggets do with their "mile high" lineup?. dark

Denver would likely have to part with multiple first round picks, Jerami Grant, and potentially Will Barton as well. But in the event it can raise their ranking of 12th in defensive rating, it would go a long way.

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